One Introduction
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Kate Morris
Abstract
This book explores the new understandings that are necessary for preventative policy and practice in child welfare in the changing policy context in the United Kingdom. The discussion and analysis draw on empirical data from the National Evaluation of the Children’s Fund (NECF). The goal is to understand the NECF in the context of changing ideas about child and family policy and broader thinking about the nature of social exclusion and how this might be challenged. One of the central concepts guiding the design of the NECF was prevention (alongside partnership and participation). The NECF was set up in 2000 as a catalyst to move forward inter-agency cooperation and child- and family-led preventative services in local authorities in England. It was unusual in targeting children aged five to 13 – a group that had previously received little policy attention. The NECF can be seen as one of a raft of social-policy initiatives launched by New Labour that were intended to produce more collaborative working and more cohesive families and communities.
Abstract
This book explores the new understandings that are necessary for preventative policy and practice in child welfare in the changing policy context in the United Kingdom. The discussion and analysis draw on empirical data from the National Evaluation of the Children’s Fund (NECF). The goal is to understand the NECF in the context of changing ideas about child and family policy and broader thinking about the nature of social exclusion and how this might be challenged. One of the central concepts guiding the design of the NECF was prevention (alongside partnership and participation). The NECF was set up in 2000 as a catalyst to move forward inter-agency cooperation and child- and family-led preventative services in local authorities in England. It was unusual in targeting children aged five to 13 – a group that had previously received little policy attention. The NECF can be seen as one of a raft of social-policy initiatives launched by New Labour that were intended to produce more collaborative working and more cohesive families and communities.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements iv
- Introduction 1
- Social exclusion, child welfare and well-being 5
- Contemporary issues for preventative child welfare 29
- The development of preventative policy and practice: an overview 43
- The Children’s Fund: strategies for social inclusion 67
- The Children’s Fund: activities and impacts of partnership strategies 85
- New understandings for prevention 111
- Conclusion: effective preventative approaches 129
- References 145
- Index 157
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements iv
- Introduction 1
- Social exclusion, child welfare and well-being 5
- Contemporary issues for preventative child welfare 29
- The development of preventative policy and practice: an overview 43
- The Children’s Fund: strategies for social inclusion 67
- The Children’s Fund: activities and impacts of partnership strategies 85
- New understandings for prevention 111
- Conclusion: effective preventative approaches 129
- References 145
- Index 157
